Memphis-Ole Miss Postgame Notes

Sep 03, 2006 | Football

Sept. 3, 2006

 Today's captains for Memphis were free safety Wesley Smith, defensive end Rubio Phillips and receiver Mario Pratcher.
 Three true freshmen played in today's game including WR Duke Calhoun, WR Dave Thomas and linebacker Josh Weaver. Weaver played a majority of the day on special teams.
 Junior Martin Hankins got the starting nod at quarterback today. It was Hankins' first collegiate game since the 2004 season when he played his sophomore campaign at Southeastern Louisiana University. Hankins worked out with the Tigers all last season but was ineligible for game action. Hankins finished the game having completed 21 of 27 passes for 211 and two touchdowns. He did not throw an interception in today's meeting.
 Two freshmen hooked up for the first touchdown of the season. Wide receiver Dave Thomas received the ball on a handoff from quarterback Martin Hankins and then threw the eight-yard touchdown pass to 6-9 receiver Carlos Singleton.
 Linebacker Mike Snyder registered his second career sack in the first quarter when he dropped Brent Shaeffer for a seven-yard loss. Snyder left the game early with a stinger and was held for the remainder of the game.
 Noseguard Ryan Williams entered the game in the second quarter today. Williams had shoulder surgery this spring and was projected to be out until mid-season. He was cleared to play and practiced with the squad this past week.
 Quarterback Martin Hankins tossed his first career touchdown pass when he reached senior receiver Ryan Scott on a 49-yard pass to tie the score 14-14 with just over four minutes left in the first half. It was Scott's seventh career touchdown reception.
 The score was tied 14-14 at the half, marking the most combined points in the first half for the two squads since the 2002 meeting in Memphis. At the half, Memphis was up 21-17 and eventually picked up the 44-34 win.
 Sophomore quarterback Will Hudgens entered the game late in the third quarter when Hankins was taken to the lockerroom. Early reports from the lockerroom indicted that he was experiencing cramping and has was given fluids. He returned to the field with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
 Carlton Robinzine left the game in the first series of the third quarter after catching a pass from Hankins. He appeared to injure his knee on the play and did not return to the game.
 Junior tailback Joseph Doss rushed for a career-high 112 yards in today's game. He had 23 carries, which was also a career best. His previous high was 17 carries against Tennessee and 85 yards against Chattanooga - both last season.
 Sophomore Trey Adams connected on his first field goal attempt from 30 yards in the fourth quarter. Adams also totaled two PATs in today's game. Adams is a walk-on from Memphis who kicked just one PAT last season against Chattanooga.
 Both teams had more rushing yardage today than in any of the last four meetings. Memphis rushed for 149 yards and Ole Miss rushed for 240 yards. Heading into today's game, Memphis was averaging 95 yards rushing vs. Ole Miss in the previous four meetings; and Ole Miss was averaging 110.8 yards. The 149 yards by Memphis was the most in five years since totaling 126 yards in the win in 2004. The 240 yards by Ole Miss was the most since they totaled 214 yards in the 2002 victory.
 Sophomore receiver Antonio McCoy caught his first career touchdown pass on a two-yard strike from Hankins with just over three minutes left in the game. McCoy played in all 12 games last season and caught eight passes for 45 yards.
 Martin Hankins converted the two-point play with a pass to Earnest Williams, marking the first time that Memphis had successfully passed for a two-point conversion since 2004 against USF.
 Memphis passed for 225 yards, marking the highest passing yardage since the 2004 GMAC Bowl against Bowling Green State when Memphis passed for 324 yards. On the flip side, Memphis limited Ole Miss to just 97 yards passing. This was the third time since 2002 that Memphis had held its opponent to less than 100 yards passing. Memphis allowed Marshall just 97 yards in 2005 and TCU just 85 yards in 2002.